We are a generation of busy people—working hard but hardly living. Getting enough rest—like real, replenishing rest—is often at the bottom of our priority list.
But, why?
We all have our reasons we don’t make rest a priority. Some are self-imposed, like people who stay continually busy in order to avoid pain and disappointment.
Others live a life of constant motion because they’re trying to please others or keep up appearances.
Of course there are busy seasons in life, like a couple with a newborn baby, or an accountant during tax time. But for some, being busy all the time seems to be a badge of honor.
In the exhaustion of daily living, we often complain, “There’s so much to do, and never enough time” instead of saying a quiet prayer, “Lord, I am so tired. Please help me.”
Being driven is one thing, being a slave to what you do—bound to guilt, condemnation, perfectionism or people pleasing—is bondage. Unknowingly, you are living a lie.
“The lie the taskmasters want you to swallow is that you cannot rest until your work’s all done, and done better than you’re currently doing it,” said Mark Buchanan in The Rest of God. “But the truth is, the work’s never done, and never done quite right. It’s always more than you can finish and less than you had hoped for.
If we address some of the lies, and release them, then physical rest and inner peace—soul rest—can replace worry and fear, and things can begin to change.
There is a better way to find a better life. Take a look at some of the lies we believe about rest, and consider what you want to change in your own life:
• LIE: I can do everything, and do it all on my own. This is the person who believes she has to make it all happen, to do everything for everyone and do it all by herself. Some may call her a martyr; others may call her a control freak. She believes her way is the “right” way or she feels she must save the world. The truth is we are sorely deceived when we think are a Junior Jesus. We don’t save the world; He already did that for us.
• LIE: I feel guilty when I rest. I used to think rest was a luxury for a privileged few. It was a time in my life when I was short on funds and working three jobs just to stay afloat. It didn’t seem fair. Then, I learned that I had a right to rest. In fact, rest was God’s idea! (Genesis 2:1-3)
• LIE: I don’t deserve to rest. Rest is a gift. You don’t earn it. A slave driver mentality is not from God but the enemy, the one who is out to destroy you. The truth is, when you come to know Christ you are set free (John 8:36).
• LIE: Rest is a waste of time. In reality, taking time to renew your weary self is time well spent. It’s an investment that will pay off physically, mentally, emotionally, and relationally because you will be a better you—for others and for yourself. Stopping periodically to get refreshed ultimately helps you get the job done more effectively.
• LIE: If I rest, I won’t get it all done. That goes back to the fundamental question of whose agenda you are following. A major heart shift happens when we begin to realize that life is about God’s plan, His story. We live for God, not for ourselves. He will enable us to get done what He wants accomplished each day when we are surrendered and willing.
Perhaps we don’t value rest because we’ve forgotten what it means. Our perception may be skewed by a culture that praises busyness and devalues silence, stillness, and reflection.
Rest brings margin to your life, spaces that allow you to replenish and restore beauty and balance. Without it, life is an endless cycle of work, chores and errands.
And that’s not what God intended.
Joy, peace, fun and play are essential parts of life, too.
Replenishing rest looks different for everyone.
Whether you linger over a cup of tea with a friend, take a twenty-minute nap or a one-minute vacation gazing at the Hawaiian beaches on your wall calendar, think about how you can get refueled in your life.
Because when we’re well-rested, we are better equipped to serve God and others, and enjoy our lives.
You were never meant to do life all on your own, or carry the weight of the world like boulders in a backpack. When you release your worries to God, you’re saying that you trust Him.
Instead of being anxious, you can rely on the fact that God said He would take care of all your needs.
God is always at work, even when you’re asleep. When you are feeling overwhelmed, say to yourself, “I cannot, but God can.”
God can do anything; nothing is too hard for Him, even restoring peace to your whirlwind life.
God gives you permission to rest. In fact, it was His idea from the beginning. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, we learn that God created the heavens and earth “all in their vast array.”
Imagine the sheer delight of God as master artist and architect, forming star-studded galaxies, planets than spin, and gravity to tether us all to Earth.
After He created , He rested (whatever that looks like for God), and gave us a pattern to follow for our own lives.
Your days may be full, but your heart doesn’t have to be empty or anxious. Pray and release your cares, connect with God, and allow Him to work through you.
Then enjoy the love and peace, freedom and power that are yours.
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.”
(Psalm 62:5)
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